Tony Conrad, Arnold Dreyblatt, Jim O'Rourke: Tonic 19-01-2001 (Black Truffle)

Our own Rich Mudge writes,

“Black Truffle knows how to mark their 100th release - by unearthing and releasing this archival find from what was a hell of a shindig itself - 2 nights curated by David Weinstein at the beloved and much missed Tonic. Each night's lineup had the performers presenting individual projects concluding with a collaborative set. The second night featured the only performance by this trio.

The set kicks right in, the intensity like electricity arcing in slow motion. While it's clear that Conrad is leading the charge, Drebylatt and O'Rourke (on bowed double bass and hurdy-gurdy, respectively) bring their own performance and compositional histories and nuanced playing to the piece. Both are intimately familiar with Conrad's work and have their individual relationships with him and it shows; there is a genuine sense of joy in this performance that reveals infinite subtleties and raucous overtones, sometimes at the same moment. That this is three guys generating this much racket is impressive with the resonating pulses and tones often sounding like anything but the instruments being played; wonderfully disorienting. Toward the latter end of side two things begin to wind down and the instruments space out a bit and become more apparent until they eventually wind down to silence. It's like emerging from a densely foggy trail through the woods into a beautiful clearing. A beautiful transmission from a wonderful moment in time.

Nice liner notes by Arnold Dreyblatt and photos from the event, too.”

Essential EOY Team 2023 Pick!!